by Kes Gray
illustrated by Nila Aye
 
There are no hard and fast rules for the quiet bench, except for being noisy- noisy gets in the way of all of the thinking which needs to happen… 
 
A child sits on a rainbow-striped bench in the middle of a lively playground. They enjoy feeling “invisible” and, as it turns out, so do Sadiq, Zoe and Milo. They sit together in an easy and warm companionship. 
 
The quiet bench gives time to observe the minutiae, to listen acutely and to think expansively. You can take in the ever-present lost gloves which are propped at the top of the railings. You can try to hear the noise an ant makes as it travels in swirly patterns around the bench. You can wonder at how no two clouds ever look the same and you can try to figure out at what point air becomes sky. You can break off from those ponderous thoughts at any time and check in with your quiet bench friends. 
 
‘Nice colourful illustrations, and a good demonstration of how the quiet bench can work for children who might be neurodivergent, shy or anxious’ (June, Disability Activist, Letterbox Library reviewer). ‘A lovely book for a school/reception class. Lots of opportunity to talk about friends, feelings, all sorts of things.’ (Carey, Pre-School Manager,  Letterbox Library reviewer). [Diverse playground with children with different skin tones and from different faiths. Protagonist has brown skin. Sadiq wears ear defenders. Disabled children in playground include a child with hearing aid and a wheelchair user]. Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp
 
Themes: Disabilities